Sensor based soil monitoring: A new era in precision agronomic decision making

Abstract

The way agronomists, farmers and researchers gather and analyse soil data has completely changed as a result of sensor-based soil monitoring and analysis. Through the utilization of wireless networks, soil-integrated sensors and cloud-based analytics, stakeholders are now able to make site-specific decisions in real time and quick based on real soil health metrics such as electrical conductivity, pH, moisture, temperature and nutrient levels in soil plethora. This change promotes more effective use of fertilizer and water, maximizes crop yields, lessens the impact on the environment and improves sustainability. The development of sensor technologies, sensor classification, data collection techniques, decision support systems, agronomic applications, economic and environmental results, implementation issues and the potential applications of machine learning and precision management in agriculture are all reviewed in this article.